Thousands have lined the streets of Belfast today for the annual pomp and celebration of the St Patrick’s Day parades.

Along with a host of colourful - mainly green - characters, the celebrations is being led by the Patron Saint of Ireland himself ‘St Patrick’.

He's joined by Belfast's Lord Mayor Máirtín Ó Muilleoir, along with dozens of eye-catching floats, among them a ‘Back to The Future’ flying DeLorean and a Doctor Who Tardis.

Hundreds of families descended on the city today, with parade leaving City Hall at noon before heading to a Custom House Square for a day of traditional live entertainment, along with something a bit more modern.

Former X-Factor winner Shayne Ward is set to enthrall the crowds with some of his hits following performances from Emerald Armada, Sontas, the Tir na n’Og Irish Dancers and the South Asian Dance Academy.

Lord Mayor Máirtín Ó Muilleoir said the host of entertainment was "a fun, fantastic treat for all the family".

"We took the future as a theme because it is important that we concentrate on that and how life can be better for all of us," he said.

"Belfast has really gotten into its stride being seen across the world as a forward thinking, attractive city with many advantages - particularly its young population.

"We have shown the world that we can put on a show and celebrate with the best of them."

St Patrick's Day in London

Having clinched the Six Nations rugby crown, it was always going to be good craic this weekend ahead of St Patrick's Day.

And this year's St Patrick's Day Parade and celebrations in London organised by Mayor Boris Johnson, with the support of many Irish businesses, did not disappoint.

The theme of this year's celebrations in the centre of the capital was World of Dance and the Irish-American dance supremo Michael Flatley led the event among the thousands of revellers.

Both those taking part and members of the public were adorned in the Irish tricolour and leprechauns, four-leaf clovers and an abundance of green could be seen lining the route of the event now in its 13th year.

The theme was chosen to ce lebrate the rich heritage of dance within Irish culture and the parade featured spectacular pageantry, floats, marching bands from across the UK, sports clubs and Irish dancing schools who entertained crowds, expected to number near 100,000, lining Piccadilly as they headed towards Trafalgar Square for the festival.

Flatley was joined by the Irish Ambassador Dan Mulhall and his wife and Irish Minister Pat Rabbitte TD at the start of the parade at Hyde Park Corner.